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Today’s 20 Questions victim is someone very close to home indeed. Please give a warm welcome to none other than Just Nice Things’ Sheenie!
1) Why did you start your blog?
My blogging partner, Helen had been reading a lot of US nail blogs and expressed her concern that there were very few or none on this side of the pond, prompting her to start one. She asked if I’d like to come on board and Helen & Sheenie’s Nice Things was born (now called Just Nice Things). Helen quite rightly reigns on the nail parade whereas I like to focus on the beauty side, which includes make-up and torturous treatments all in the name of vanity. It’s one of our unique angles, I’d like to believe. Another is the fact we are co-bloggers who work really well together. It’s given us somewhat of an identity and it’s flattering (if somewhat strange) to be recognised as ‘Helen and Sheenie’.
2) How long have you been blogging for?
Over a year and honestly, I never imagined we would be where we are today in such a short space of time. What started off innocently as a platform to write about our favourite nice things, has propelled Helen onto a spot on British national television and given us the opportunity to come on board for London Fashion Week.
3) What do you enjoy most about blogging?
With a background in journalism, I love writing. To do that with complete freedom of expression and not be governed by any restrictions or limitations combined with one of my guilty pleasures in life is the best thing. The moment that stops being fun, will be the day I stop this and I truly hope that day never comes.
4) What frustrates you most about blogging?
It’s not so much frustration but the criticism aimed at bloggers from editors and journalists who dismiss the power of blogging or fear the power is shifting towards bloggers. There are some poor blogs out there and some truly remarkable ones but no blogger boasts they are superior. Blogs are influential definitely and they certainly influence my decision to pay for products which have been tested and written about in complete honesty. I am a published journalist and writer though I do not harp on about it on our blog or use that as a direct influence. It only helps in bringing the experience of writing into my blogging, particularly as I’ve done a lot of online writing. Since I’ve started reading blogs, I don’t buy magazines any more. Magazines don’t have the scope to give ample coverage on what new products are creating the biggest buzz – they only mention mainstream names that they’ve most likely been paid to quote. I can’t believe what a sheltered knowledge I had on beauty products before blogs.
5) How much time a week do you spend on your blog/reading other people’s blogs?
I tend to write most of my blogs at the weekend but if something particularly important crops up, then priority will clearly go on that. I think it’s essential to stay on top of the game and to not disappoint our loyal readers! Twitter really helps in keeping me in the loop with my favourite blogs and their latest updates. It would be fair to say it’s a daily ritual.
6) What advice do you have for aspiring beauty bloggers?
Being passionate is a key factor and if you have that within, you’ll enjoy the ride so stay true to your heart and don’t forget to have fun along the way.
7) What other hobbies/interests do you have?
I’ve always loved cooking but I’ve recently become obsessed with baking and decorating cupcakes. I’ve got friends and colleagues hooked on them, so much so that when I bring them into work, they’re all gone in seconds. This has spurred me onto trying to make the perfect cupcake. While I get nothing but praise of the highest order for them (for which I am very humble for), I don’t think I am anywhere near achieving my goal yet. I’m on the hunt for cake decoration products, new recipes, packaging…it’s seriously an illness I’m developing. I wish I had done this sooner. I mean, boys and men are putty in my hands the second I wave a cupcake in their faces.
8 ) How many bottles of nail varnish do you own?
Nowhere near as many as Helen! I would estimate more than 50 and less than 100. [Later conducted a count and it currently stands at precisely 106]
9) Do you set yourself a shopping budget, or do you purchase on an as-and-when basis?
I have become very disciplined lately and will only buy something as and when I deem suitable. It really has to sing to me for me to hand my plastic over.
10) What is your favourite make-up brand, and why?
I don’t swear by one but I am truly loving Illamasqua and the excitement they bring to make-up. I would never have heard of it if it weren’t through Helen who picked up on it through Mizz Worthy. I love Alex Box’s concept and belief on what make-up should be, I feel compelled to break out of the mould of the conventional ways on how to wear make-up and take it to the next artistic level.
11) Do you ever leave the house without wearing make-up?
I’ve left the gym without a trace of make-up and I probably get mistaken for a school girl. There was a time when I refused to set foot outside without some slap on but I’ve overcome that insecurity and enjoy letting my pores breathe. However, I won’t go to work without concealer and a tinted moisturiser on at the very least.
12) What is your favourite beauty product and why?
I don’t have one, I just have a favourite beauty treatment to indulge in – either a body scrub, massage or facial. I really want to go back to the Peak Health Club and Spa at London’s Jumeirah Carlton Tower for their full body scrub – I smelt divine after and felt so smooth all over!
13) What is your favourite nail varnish of all time? (yep, only one!)
I loved OPI’s My Private Jet till they changed the formula and made it more browny beige and less holographic so my search for a favourite nail polish begins again.
14) Tell us about the best holiday you’ve ever been on.
I can’t decide! But a trip to the south of France where I stayed in a retro US airstream caravan last year was awesome. It was totally unconventional to the kind of holidays I’m used to. I’ve never camped before, never done self-catering and never hired a car and driven on the wrong side of the road. The fresh air and freedom was fantastic. We hired bikes and cycled through the country lanes and forests, and later relaxed in a hot tub with the view of the Pyrenees in the distance. The site where we stayed is run by a lovely couple and it’s where Sean Penn got married. Nick Frost also loves staying at this campsite. It’s unspoilt and tranquil, and I hope it always stays like this.
15) What would be your ideal day off?
I’m very independent and like doing my own thing, but it would be lovely to spend quality time with someone I care about immensely. It doesn’t matter what or where, so long as the ideal company is there. I’d also love to take mum to Paris on the Eurostar – she’s my favourite shopping partner, my absolute best friend and well, she’s my mummy! I love her more than words can say!
16) What is your favourite TV show?
It’s got to be The Apprentice (UK version) – it’s what brought Helen and I together.
17) What music do you enjoy listening to?
I’m a rock and indie chick at heart, but I do love some pop and dance. Absolute favourite groups are Muse and Hot Chip.
18) What is your favourite food?
Jeez, don’t expect me to pick one dish! I have several – chicken (in any form), Turkish, Thai, Persian, Moroccan, Italian, a good roast…but ultimately, mum’s lamb biryani knocks the spots off every time. Just thinking about it right now is making my mouth water.
19) Where would you most like to visit in the world? (money no object)
I have a list of places, I can’t narrow it down to one but ultimately, somewhere with life, soul, culture which I can capture on my camera.
20) Tell us a secret…
Well, it wouldn’t be a secret if I told you now, would it?
Thank you, Sheenie! If you have a blog and would like to volunteer to answer our 20 questions, just send us an email to the usual address!
You need a cupcake blog! 🙂
Thanks for the interview(nice to know that one of my favourite bloggers is a Muse fan)!
I haven’t baked for donkey’s years, but I am still addicted to the blog ‘Cake Wrecks’. I swear it is the funniest thing on the internet.
That is a fabulous trailer. Looks like it would be a complete oven inside though with those silvery surfaces. But I’m sure it has full air-con.
Ooh, I will check out Cake Wrecks. Thanks Caroline! And LiseyDuck, don’t encourage me! 😉
Loved reading more about you. Your as beautiful outside as in. The Airstream must’ve been lovely to stay in. A nice place to get away to.